In Thundering Silence Thich Nhat Hanh presents the early teachings of the Buddha on how to see reality clearly without becoming stuck in notions and ideologies, however noble they may be. These teachings can liberate us from the prisons of our mental constructiosn and allow us to enjoy life fully and be a resource for others. Near the end of his life, the Buddha declared, "During forty-five years, I have not said anything," to encourage his disciples not to be caught by words or ideas. Thich Nhat Hanh calls this "the roar of a great lion, the thundering silence of a Buddha." The attitude of openness, non-attachmant from views, and playfulness offered by the Buddha in this sutra is an important door for us to enter the realm of Mahayana Buddhist thought and practice.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen master, poet, and peace activist, has been a monk for 50 years. In 1967, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Ir. He lives in southwestern France where he teaches, writes, gardens, and works to help those in need. He travels regularly leading retreats on "the art of mindful living." He is author of Being Peace, Peace is Every Step, Old Path White Clouds, The Sun My Heart, and many other books.

Contents: THUNDERING SILENCE: Sutra on Knowing the Better Way To Catch a Snake